Chris on the Theatre Royal

Exterior of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, published in 1828, engraved by John Rolph (1799–1862)

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane (Chris Graham)

Constructed in 1732 on the site of what was once a convent garden, the Royal Opera House, often called the Theatre Royal, has since been London’s premier performance hall for a wide variety of performing acts. The Hall hosts operas, ballets, musical concerts, pantomime, and large production stage plays. In 1728, John Rich, an actor and manager of the Duke’s Company at Lincoln’s Inn fields commissioned an Opera, The Beggar’s Opera from producer John Gay. The immense funds from this production allowed Rich the capitol to build the original Theatre, designed by Edward Shepherd. On December 7, 1732, Rich was carried through the Theatre halls in a grand procession on the backs of his actors to celebrate the opening of the Hall’s first production play, William Congreve’s The Way of the World. In 1734, the Hall hosted its first ballet, Pygmalion. Dancer Marie Sallé stunned audiences by abandoning tradition as well as her corset and dancing in flowing robes. George Handel opened his first season of opera in 1734 as well. His first opera was Il pastor fido followed by Ariodante (1735), the première of Alcina, and Atalanta the following year. He performed there until his death in 1759, upon which he gifted his organ to Rich, who gave it a prominent place on stage. Unfortunately, this was one of many priceless items lost in a fire in 1808.

The Hall was rebuilt and reopened in 1809, with a stunning performance of Macbeth, followed by a musical entertainment piece called The Quaker. This was also perhaps one of the most well-known instances of price gouging, as actor-manager John Phillip Kemble, raised seat prices to pay for the renovations to the Theatre after the fire. The audiences responded by hissing, booing, and beating sticks in what was known as the Old Prince Riots, which lasted until management finally relented and seceded to audiences’ demands. The great pantomime Joseph Grimaldi introduced the clown to the world in his performance of Harlequin and Mother Goose. The act of clowning was later revised with music as dance and music performances became more popular.

The Theatre would be once again destroyed by fire in 1856, and subsequently rebuilt again in 1858. It took on its present name, The Royal Opera House, in 1892, and is the current building standing today. The ROH became a dance hall during the Second World War, but was re-acquired as a music hall shortly after and showcased Purcell’s The Fairy Queen, as well as a performance of Georges Bizet’s Carmen.